Ravinder Sahiraa is a renowned poet of the Punjabi diaspora. He was born on 15 December 1954 in village Hardo Pharala, district Jalandhar, Punjab. His father’s name is Mahan Singh, and his mother’s name is Beant Kaur. Ravinder Sahiraa received his early education at the primary school in his native village and completed his matriculation from Government High School, Meheru (Kapurthala). He pursued his higher education at Ramgarhia College, where, during his college years, he also served as the editor of the college magazine. While studying in college, he was elected State President of the Punjab Students Union and actively led several struggles for students’ rights. During the period of the Emergency, the Punjab Students Union opposed the authoritarian measures of the government, as a result of which Ravinder Sahiraa was detained for some time. He was released in 1977 after the coming to power of the Janata Government.
Ravinder Sahiraa had already begun his literary journey during his school days. He started writing poetry while he was in the tenth grade, and this creative journey has continued uninterrupted to the present day. So far, he has published five poetry collections, two prose works, and has edited six books. Among his significant works are Churaye Palan Da Hisaab, Zakhmi Pal, Rishta Shabad Saleeban Da, Akharan Di Lo, Kujh Na Kaho, and Kagad Kalam Kitab, which brings together a comprehensive selection of his writings. His literary creations reflect deep engagement with Punjabi folk life, the complexities of life abroad, and the issues of contemporary society. The emotions expressed in his poetry are marked by simplicity, clarity, and depth, inspiring readers toward serious reflection.
For his literary contributions, Ravinder Sahiraa has been honored by the Language Department of Punjab with the title of Shiromani Punjabi Poet (Overseas). In addition to this, he has been felicitated by several cultural and literary organizations, including Global Punjabi Milap, Chicago, International Mother Language Day, Chicago, World Punjabi Literature Sabha, California, Punjab Bhawan, Vancouver, and the Ramgarhia Singh Foundation (Ontario).
At present, Ravinder Sahiraa resides in Chesterton, Indiana. Recently, under his leadership, a Punjabi school has been established in Crown Point, where children are being taught not only to read and write the thirty-five Punjabi letters, but are also being introduced to Sikh history, American history, and Punjabi literature, thereby strengthening their connection with their linguistic and cultural heritage.